Written By David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
SOUTHWEST MIDDLESEX — Council has approved an agreement with Quad County Support Services (QCSS) to create ongoing work placement opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities and has accepted a petition under the Drainage Act for the Manser Branch of the Hyndman Drain. Both items were discussed and approved during the October 15 council meeting.
CAO Amanda Gubbels explained that the partnership with QCSS builds upon a successful informal arrangement earlier this year that provided a placement for one participant within the municipality. “The municipality did enter an informal partnership with Quad County Support Services to provide a work placement opportunity for an individual organization, and it was provided on a no-cost basis,” she told council. “Given that success, this report recommends formalizing our relationship through an agreement with Quad County so that we can continue to offer similar placements as needs and fits arise within municipal operations.”
The agreement, authorized through By-law 2025/091, allows the municipality to collaborate with QCSS to identify future volunteer placements that align with both municipal needs and the participant’s skill development. The arrangement carries no financial cost, as placements are voluntary, and participants are covered under the municipality’s volunteer WSIB insurance. QCSS provides program support and liability coverage.
Gubbels emphasized that while the current program focuses on volunteer roles, the partnership may evolve in future. “Ultimately, Quad County’s goal is to, where appropriate, find paid employment experience and opportunities for the people they support,” she said, noting that any future paid positions would depend on council’s annual budget approval.
Mayor Allan Mayhew expressed his support for the initiative, calling QCSS “an important organization within Southwest Middlesex,” and highlighted the positive impact its clients have had on the community. Council approved the recommendation, with Deputy Mayor Mike Sholdice moving the motion and Councillor Emery seconding it.
Council also received a report from Public Works Manager Mauro Castrilli regarding a new drain petition under Section 4 of the Drainage Act for the Manser Branch of the Hyndman Drain, located in former Ekfrid Township. Castrilli explained that the branch has existed for decades, “likely since before 1928,” but was never part of the municipal drain system. The new petition seeks to formally recognize it so future improvements can be managed properly and costs shared among affected landowners.
Mayor Mayhew confirmed that costs associated with the project will be proportionally assessed to the benefiting properties once engineering work begins. With no further discussion, councillors unanimously approved the recommendation to proceed with the petition process.
